<i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> Polysaccharide/carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogels Modulate Macrophage Polarization for Wound Healing

Wound healing remains a global challenge for clinical and experimental research. Hydrogels prepared from natural polysaccharides show great potential in the wound healing process. In this study, novel hydrogels (G-GLP) were prepared using oxidized <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> polysaccharides (OGLPs) and carboxymethyl chitosan via the Schiff base reaction, which did not require the addition of any chemical cross-linking agent. The hydrogels showed excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Moreover, the hydrogels showed superior hemostatic performance in mouse liver trauma and tail amputation models. Importantly, G-GLP improved inflammation by promoting the polarization of the macrophage M2 subtype, inhibiting the M1 subtype and reducing intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. In vivo experiments demonstrated that G-GLP accelerated healing in a total defect wound model by reducing inflammation and promoting blood vessel repair and collagen deposition. These results demonstrate that G-GLP has potential as an effective wound repair dressing.